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A review by fulltimefiction
The Project by Courtney Summers
2.0
19 years old Lo is alone. After her aunt died, she has no one left in this world except for the sister she hasn’t seen in years. Shortly after the accident that killed their parents, Bea left and joined the Unity Project. She hasn’t contacted Lo since. The Project claims that Bea doesn’t want to contact Lo no matter how much she tries. Working at a renowned magazine, Lo is set to uncover the secrets of the Project and reach her sister. But the Project has a very good image and, on the surface, doesn’t appear as a cult. But surely the man called Lev claiming he’s God’s messenger sent to save souls, can’t actually talk to Him and guarantee paradise to his followers, right?
I’m not a fan of contemporary YA but in this book, the main character isn’t a minor nor is her sister. It also doesn’t focus on a romance just like Summer’s other books that I have read. You see, I loved Sadie. It was truly brilliant. All the Rage wasn’t bad at all either. Although books that revolve around cults and the like don’t particularly interest me, I wanted to give this book a try because of my previous positive with Summers. Only this book wasn’t good enough.
The book is told following two timelines throughout this book. One is from Bea’s pov (third person) and the other from Lo’s (first person). I didn’t mind going back and forth between povs but I admit, some were abrupt.
Before I explain my main issues, I want to say how solid Courtney Summers's writing style is. It’s very addictive. It’s easy to read and follow all while not being “simple”. I flew through it especially since I was reading a heavy fantasy book too. The Project was a breath of fresh air. But don’t get me wrong, it certainly didn’t deal with light topics.
Yet, I can’t name anything else that I liked. It was just very meh and forgettable. I also didn’t dislike it save for two things that I couldn’t stand.
1) Lo’s character was interesting… until she started complaining about being a secretary at a well-known magazine. She wants a higher position, she wants to write, but she doesn’t have any previous experience (other than this job) nor a diploma. And I’m here, working a job I’m very overqualified for with a diploma and I’m pretty sure I earn less than her. To say this attitude annoyed me to no end is an understatement. She should be grateful. She should be working to build her skills, taking courses and certifications, trying to build her portfolio, instead of waiting for a promotion after a year at the company.
2) Something she shouldn’t have done, no matter how much Bea hurt her by not reaching out. Even though she didn’t do it for revenge nor hate, Lo did something inexcusable, sisters should never do. I can’t believe someone, with a character like Lo, would’ve done it. I felt like it was out of character in a way.You don't sleep with someone your sister has slept with, goes without saying..
Other than that, I simply didn’t enjoy the book, particularly the second half. The first half was engaging. Lo’s devotion to finding her sister even though she cut all contact with her was fascinating but again, the incident that takes place in the second half ruined it for me in a way. I have a sister myself and that’s something sisters who care and love each other would never do.
As for the Project, I was interested in how they attracted new members but I really wonder if it’s so widespread how can it manage to still be so secretive? Sure, we see how Lev attracts new members, who they attract, but if there was actually something bad happening, how did it never get out?
By the end and even with that ending, I was completely indifferent about The Project. Luckily, it was a quick read, and thanks to the writing style, I didn’t struggle to finish it. I debated whether I should give this book 2 or 3 stars, I settled on 2. Even though I didn’t hate it, I certainly did hate a couple of things about it. On the other hand, the only thing I liked was the writing style. 3 stars books have more than that.
Briefly, I didn’t feel much reading this book. The first half was interesting but then the book took a turn I disapprove of (ha ha I feel like an uptight reader now). But the characters were the highlight of this book and I couldn’t connect to them although I have a younger sister too. I only recommend this book if you’re looking for a book revolving around cults. Or if the description interested you.
arc provided via NetGalley
I’m not a fan of contemporary YA but in this book, the main character isn’t a minor nor is her sister. It also doesn’t focus on a romance just like Summer’s other books that I have read. You see, I loved Sadie. It was truly brilliant. All the Rage wasn’t bad at all either. Although books that revolve around cults and the like don’t particularly interest me, I wanted to give this book a try because of my previous positive with Summers. Only this book wasn’t good enough.
The book is told following two timelines throughout this book. One is from Bea’s pov (third person) and the other from Lo’s (first person). I didn’t mind going back and forth between povs but I admit, some were abrupt.
Before I explain my main issues, I want to say how solid Courtney Summers's writing style is. It’s very addictive. It’s easy to read and follow all while not being “simple”. I flew through it especially since I was reading a heavy fantasy book too. The Project was a breath of fresh air. But don’t get me wrong, it certainly didn’t deal with light topics.
Yet, I can’t name anything else that I liked. It was just very meh and forgettable. I also didn’t dislike it save for two things that I couldn’t stand.
1) Lo’s character was interesting… until she started complaining about being a secretary at a well-known magazine. She wants a higher position, she wants to write, but she doesn’t have any previous experience (other than this job) nor a diploma. And I’m here, working a job I’m very overqualified for with a diploma and I’m pretty sure I earn less than her. To say this attitude annoyed me to no end is an understatement. She should be grateful. She should be working to build her skills, taking courses and certifications, trying to build her portfolio, instead of waiting for a promotion after a year at the company.
2) Something she shouldn’t have done, no matter how much Bea hurt her by not reaching out. Even though she didn’t do it for revenge nor hate, Lo did something inexcusable, sisters should never do. I can’t believe someone, with a character like Lo, would’ve done it. I felt like it was out of character in a way.
Other than that, I simply didn’t enjoy the book, particularly the second half. The first half was engaging. Lo’s devotion to finding her sister even though she cut all contact with her was fascinating but again, the incident that takes place in the second half ruined it for me in a way. I have a sister myself and that’s something sisters who care and love each other would never do.
As for the Project, I was interested in how they attracted new members but I really wonder if it’s so widespread how can it manage to still be so secretive? Sure, we see how Lev attracts new members, who they attract, but if there was actually something bad happening, how did it never get out?
By the end and even with that ending, I was completely indifferent about The Project. Luckily, it was a quick read, and thanks to the writing style, I didn’t struggle to finish it. I debated whether I should give this book 2 or 3 stars, I settled on 2. Even though I didn’t hate it, I certainly did hate a couple of things about it. On the other hand, the only thing I liked was the writing style. 3 stars books have more than that.
Briefly, I didn’t feel much reading this book. The first half was interesting but then the book took a turn I disapprove of (ha ha I feel like an uptight reader now). But the characters were the highlight of this book and I couldn’t connect to them although I have a younger sister too. I only recommend this book if you’re looking for a book revolving around cults. Or if the description interested you.
arc provided via NetGalley